BattlefieldsNorwegian Fleet Enters Humber and Ravages Holderness 1066
Early Medieval

Norwegian Fleet Enters Humber and Ravages Holderness 1066

1066
East Riding of Yorkshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
East Riding of Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Holderness population
Forces
c. 2,000 local militia/townspeople
VS
Victor
Harald Hardrada
Forces
c. 12,000 Norwegian fleet
Outcome
Holderness ravaged; local resistance overcome; Norwegian fleet advanced up the Ouse toward York
The Battle

History & Significance

The Norwegian fleet under Harald Hardrada and Tostig entered the Humber Estuary and ravaged the Holderness peninsula, the flat agricultural land on the north bank of the Humber. The fleet then moved up the Ouse towards York, bringing them into contact with the English forces. The ravaging of Holderness served to provision the army and demonstrate Norwegian power. Local thegns who submitted were spared; those who resisted were killed or had properties burned.

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